SUBANG JAYA: Thirty-three families, including single mums, received Deepavali goodie bags worth RM100 each to help them celebrate the upcoming festival of lights.

The women each received a saree along with essential household items including cooking oil, sugar, rice flour and soap powder.

The annual event to help the needy was organised by Hindu Sangam Bandar Sunway, and was held last Saturday.

Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh was present to distribute the goodie bags to the women.

"I feel so blessed to receive these for the festive season as now I can use my money to buy other things like meat and fish," said PJS7 resident Ammasi Maruphamutu.

The 65-year-old said it usually costs her about RM500 to cook for her whole family of eight children and numerous grandchildren.

Living with her recently widowed daughter and grandchild, Ammasi said she relies on assistance from Hindu associations and Yeoh no less than three times a year, to cope with the rising cost of living.

Ammasi was among the families from Subang SS13 and SS19, USJ1 Angsana and Sunway PJS7 flats.

"I took a bus here all the way from USJ 1. Although it is far, it's definitely a worthwhile trip," said single mother Mariammah Alakamalai, who also receives assistance several times a year.

With three children to raise, she pointed out that every little bit helps.

The 32-year-old factory worker said the RM100 in cooking essentials is the best thing she could have asked for during this festive season.

"Now with the extra money, I can even get a cake for my children as a special treat for them," she said.

"All goodies given away today were thoughtful donations by the public, and all we did was organise this event to distribute it to these women," said Hindu Sangam Bandar Sunway chairperson Thavamani Mogan.

Thavamani, 54, said over RM3,000 worth of donations were received by the organisation, and she is thankful for all the contributions.

"We are holding the event for the third year and we hope to continue this in the years ahead," she said.

Yeoh added: "We have been partnering with Hindu Sangam since 2008 and I hope this continues."

She said her office has also pledged RM3,000 to help pay for the tent, sound system, food and other expenditure.